Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium, off I-471 exit 5 (SR 8), then w. following signs to the Newport on the Levee complex, displays thousands of aquatic creatures from every continent and ocean. Canyon Falls is home to Asian small-clawed otters while Turtle Canyon features a diverse collection of more than 14 species of turtles spanning three continents—from the Galapagos tortoise, said to be the largest tortoise species in the world, to the Egyptian tortoise, reputedly the smallest tortoise species in the Northern Hemisphere. A turtle corral allows guests to touch multiple species of turtles. Surrounded by Sharks takes guests through the underwater tunnels of a 385,000-gallon tank filled with six shark species, four rare and exotic shark rays, 300 fish and Denver, a nearly 200-pound loggerhead sea turtle.

In the Frog Bog exhibit, kids can crawl through a play area designed to introduce them to more than 20 different species of frogs from around the world. The Jellyfish Gallery features walk-around tanks and interactive games as a means of learning about the various species.

Gator Alley is a swampland showcasing eight species of crocodilians from four continents, including Mighty Mike, one of the biggest American alligators outside of Florida. Other exhibits include Shark Central, a touch tank where visitors can pet a shark; Shore Gallery, with a touch pool populated by starfish, crabs and urchins; Dangerous & Deadly, inhabited by piranhas, poison dart frogs and puffer fish; and Kroger Penguin Palooza. African penguin encounters as well as the Backstage Animal Experience showing the inner workings of the aquarium are available for additional fees. A coral reef, five acrylic tunnels, murals and the Shark Ray Bay theater showcasing dive shows daily also are featured. Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus gives visitors a peek into the world of the shape-shifting, color-changing giant Pacific octopus and his underwater home of towering volcanoes along the Pacific Ring of Fire.